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Contents
  • The Angioplasty Procedure
  • Adding a Stent
  • Effectiveness and Considerations

Renal Angioplasty and Stenting: A Game-Changer for Renal Artery Stenosis?

Renal Angioplasty and Stenting: A Game-Changer for Renal Artery Stenosis?

Unclogging the Pipes

Renal angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures used to treat renal artery stenosis. These techniques aim to open up narrowed kidney arteries, potentially improving blood flow and kidney function.
Contents
  • The Angioplasty Procedure
  • Adding a Stent
  • Effectiveness and Considerations

The Angioplasty Procedure

Renal angioplasty involves threading a thin catheter through the blood vessels to the narrowed renal artery. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is then inflated, pushing the plaque against the artery walls and widening the vessel. This procedure is like unclogging a pipe, allowing blood to flow more freely to the kidney. It's typically performed under local anesthesia and patients can often go home the same day.

Adding a Stent

After angioplasty, doctors often place a stent in the artery. A stent is a small, mesh-like tube that acts as a scaffold to keep the artery open. It's usually made of metal and is left in place permanently. Stenting can help prevent the artery from narrowing again, a problem called restenosis. Studies have shown that stenting along with angioplasty is more effective than angioplasty alone for treating renal artery stenosis.
Renal angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures used to treat renal artery stenosis by widening narrowed kidney arteries to improve blood flow.

Effectiveness and Considerations

While angioplasty and stenting can effectively open narrowed renal arteries, their impact on overall patient outcomes has been debated. Some studies suggest that these procedures may not provide significant benefits over medication alone for many patients. However, certain groups, such as those with recent onset of high blood pressure or uncontrolled hypertension, may benefit more. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, including bleeding, infection, or damage to the artery.

FAQs

How long does the procedure take?

Typically 1-2 hours, but can vary based on complexity.

Is angioplasty painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure.

How soon can I return to normal activities?

Many patients resume normal activities within a few days.

Will I need to take blood thinners after stenting?

Often yes, to prevent blood clots forming on the stent.

Weighing the Options

While renal angioplasty and stenting can be effective, they're not suitable for everyone with renal artery stenosis.
Curious if angioplasty or stenting might be right for you? Discuss your options with Doctronic, the AI doctor, to get personalized insights.
Additional References
  1. Cooper CJ, Murphy TP, Cutlip DE, et al. Stenting and medical therapy for atherosclerotic renal-artery stenosis. N Engl J Med 2014; 370:13.
  2. van de Ven PJ, Kaatee R, Beutler JJ, et al. Arterial stenting and balloon angioplasty in ostial atherosclerotic renovascular disease: a randomised trial. Lancet 1999; 353:282.
  3. Rocha-Singh K, Jaff MR, Rosenfield K, ASPIRE-2 Trial Investigators. Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of renal artery stenting after unsuccessful balloon angioplasty: the ASPIRE-2 study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2005; 46:776.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.